UPDATE: AMPHIBIAN CHORUS IN HOLIDAY TREES

Published: December 18, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 17, 2009 No. 09-30

(Juneau) – Reports of Pacific Chorus frogs being found in holiday trees purchased in the Anchorage area have surfaced over the last two weeks. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) urges residents to check their holiday tree for amphibious hitchhikers they may be unaware they purchased.

Tammy Davis, Invasive Species Program Project Leader for ADF&G says the amphibians are not native to Alaska. “These ‘live ornaments’ may seem like a bonus purchase, but they are outside their native range.” said Davis. Davis elaborates that “While we don’t suspect they will become invasive, a greater concern is the risk to our native amphibians if they are carrying pathogens of concern.” At this time ADF&G is asking residents to inspect their trees and nearby surroundings for frogs or toads with grey, brown, rust, black or green coloration.

What to do if you find one:

Call 1-877-INVASIVE (468-2748)

Deliver the frog to

Tracey Gotthardt – Zoologist (907)257-2782

Alaska Natural Heritage Program - University of Alaska Anchorage

707 Street - Anchorage, AK 99501

Frogs may be delivered alive or may be euthanized by placing oragel anesthetic on top of the head, or placed in your freezer in a freezer bag or other plastic container until you are able to transport it to the above location.

Photos depicting Pacific Chorus Frogs found in Anchorage trees this season are on the ADF&G site.

Residents are asked to report and turn in any amphibian found in their tree or trimmings.